First Advisor
Powers, Robert A
Document Type
Dissertation
Date Created
5-1-2010
Department
College of Natural and Health Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences Student Work
Abstract
Social cognitive research has linked students’ perceived academic capabilities, or self-efficacy, to academic choices, self-regulation, and performance in diverse contexts from reading comprehension to mathematical problem solving. This study addressed a need to investigate the interactions among prior achievement, self-efficacy, calibration (the accuracy of self-efficacy beliefs), and mathematics performance for students enrolled in the content courses of a secondary mathematics teaching program. The sample included 195 students in 12 classes ranging from calculus to second-semester abstract algebra at a mid-sized U.S. doctoral-granting university with a large secondary mathematics teacher education program. Data included background surveys, selfefficacy ratings preceding final exams, completed final exams, and transcripts of interviews with 10 secondary mathematics majors. Data analysis utilized structural equation modeling, analysis of variance, and thematic coding. Findings from both quantitative and qualitative analyses suggested participants’ perceptions of their prior math performance, together with strong self-efficacy and slight overconfidence, were most associated with increased final exam performance. The discussion includes potential implications of the study for the content preparation of secondary mathematics teachers.
Abstract Format
html
Keywords
Social Cognitive Theory; Mathematics Education; Student Self-Efficacy; Calibration; Secondary Education; Undergraduate Mathematics; Preservice Teachers; Strucural Equation Modeling
Extent
238 pages
Local Identifiers
Champion_unco_0161N_10028
Rights Statement
Copyright is held by author.
Digital Origin
Born digital
Recommended Citation
Champion, Joseph, "The mathematics self-efficacy and calibration of students in a secondary mathematics teacher preparation program" (2010). Dissertations. 90.
https://digscholarship.unco.edu/dissertations/90
